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Kane beats Fuller for judge

Brody Kane and his family got an early start Thursday morning, hitting the campaign trail on Election Day and pledging to put a Kane in every county in the 15th Judicial District.

“My two sisters were in Jackson County, one daughter was in Smith County, another daughter in Trousdale County and my wife, son and dad were in Wilson County,” Kane said. “I wanted to make sure the voters knew I wanted the job.”

By the time the Kanes gathered Thursday night, the support paid off as he unofficially garnered 22,473 votes to challenger Bryan Fuller’s 9,338 at press time.

“I’m very pleased. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family and supporters,” Kane said. “I pledge to work as hard as I can to conduct the duties of the court.”

“I’m anxious to assume the duties of the court and get started on my new job,” Kane said.

Fuller, an assistant district attorney, said he was ready to get back to work.

“We will start work again to prosecute criminal cases,” Fuller said. “That’s what we do, and that’s what we will continue to do.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed in the results, but I am thankful for everyone who helped me during the past several months. You hate to lose anything, but I am proud of the way we ran the campaign. We just didn’t get out the message we needed to get out.”

In a second race to replace retiring Judge Robert Hamilton, it was Haywood Barry, who will make his return to the bench as Wilson County Division II general sessions judge, formerly serving 24 years as Division I judge.

Barry admitted it was a close race as fewer than 400 votes separated him and Shelley Thompson Gardner. About 700 votes separated the top four finishers.

“I had to wait a long time to make sure,” Barry said. “It was like a footrace. I could hear the footsteps behind me. I’m proud to have won.

“I’ve been a judge before, so hopefully I won’t need a lot of training. I look forward to serving the people again, hopefully for the next eight years if the Lord’s willing.

“Mrs. Gardner called me and was very gracious. I told her I was looking forward to working with her in the public defender’s office.

“I told someone if I got 5,000 votes, I’d be in the running. I knew with four others it was going to be a close race.

Lebanon city attorney Andy Wright finished third just in front of Ellis “Trey” Marshall.

“We gave it our all,” Wright said. “I can’t think of a single thing we would do differently. I’m very proud of Haywood. During all the campaigning and speeches, I never once claimed I had more experience than him.

“I’m very humbled by the people supporting me and feeling I was worthy of serving them,” Smith said. “I’m overjoyed and happy people would believe in me in serving. I don’t ask people for much, but I did ask them for their votes because I believe I am fair and impartial and the right person for that job.”